Hopefully – if things go my way – I will be 77 years young in February. My family members will also add another candle to their birthday cakes, too. Maybe the extra candlelight will make all of us wiser and healthier. For most of us, the wealthier part is out of the picture.

During the last few years, I’ve shared many of my memories of growing up on Chesterfield Avenue right here in Lancaster.

Having a manger scene in front of the courthouse or in your front yard was an accepted norm.

Now, as one of the brightest (and best, I dare say) young men on the rolls at First Baptist Church, I didn’t bat an eye when Mama started getting her “boys” ready for the annual telling of the Christmas story out in the church sanctuary.